Fit Tip

I am a true example of "summer lazy" since I have fallen behind on my blog posts!  Yes, that does imply that I've been vacationing, enjoying family and friends, but most of all, exercising and balancing fun/work/fitness along with the heat.

Please mind the heat!  I have taken my exercise sessions to 20 minute bouts and found a great sweat and the lovely high we feel from endorphins; those days that are just too exhausting to bang it out, I'm practicing yoga or Chi Quong.  I don't get that beautiful breathless sweat thing on, but I still am elated and set to move on to remainder of the day.

Continuing on with my Zen approach to fitting it all in, I purchased a Deepak Chopra meditation CD* from Amazon. My favorite and go-to affirmation is Fear.  This teaching emphasizes that we have only our self-doubt and egos to blame for failure; ego = edging God out.

This week make an effort to keep it all in check. Make time to honor your body by selecting healthy dining options, performing activities, and recovering/resting.


*Deepak Chopra The Soul of Healing Affirmations.

Fit Tip

This week add the Double Crunch to your workout "play-list."  I'm all about saving time and this move will hit both your upper and lower abs at the same time.

• Lie face up on the floor, legs fully extended.
• Place hands behind your head, finger tips touching, elbows out.
• Bend knees slightly and raise legs about six inches.  This is the start position.
• Slowly curl your upper body off the floor, lifting your shoulder blades and raising chest toward the ceiling.
• At the same time, bring your knees toward your torso, aiming knees to elbows and hold briefly.
• Slowly return to start keeping feet off the floor.

Remember that you can do all the ab work in the world and never have flat abs without sticking to clean eating.

Fit Tip

Found yourself busy stress eating lately?  Warmer weather can exacerbate negative emotions.
Next time you get a hankering for a giant frozen coffee menagerie when someone in the office (check-out line, commute, house) gets under your skin, take one second to check the calories.  Knowing exactly how many calories you are about to consume may stop you from heading toward the drive-through.
Check out Calorie King for a fairly comprehensive list of sneaky treats and (bonus!) the workout plan to negate those calories. 
Many outlets now offer nutrition information on their home pages so if all else fails, take a peak there.  If you are already in line, don't fret, just check for an alternative treat and place that order asap.

Realizing how many calories you're about to consume could me all the information you need to save time at the gym later!